Stels FLEX 250 - technical characteristics of a good Russian-made motorcycle

When choosing a scooter or motorcycle, the average user sees only two solutions: a used Japanese one or a new Chinese one. But recently, a Russian user had another option - Stels, assembled from Chinese components, but according to Russian standards . The history of the company itself began in the last century, but since 2007, the developers began to produce motorcycles. And if the first versions were assembled from components ordered from the Middle Kingdom, then the Stels Flex 250 can be called the first domestic swallow.

This is an inexpensive, classic road motorcycle, most of the parts of which were created in Russia.

We specifically found Flex at the cheapest price tag, and here it is in the review! We didn't have him for long, but we had a good opinion about him, you can take him!

Review of Stealth Flex 250

The history of the company itself began back in 1996, and then a representative office was opened in Russia, selling bicycles.
Then there was some small development, the company built a small factory for the production of bicycles. Already today, there are several factories operating in Russia that produce reliable bicycle, motorcycle and quad equipment. Stealth motorcycles are in particularly high demand; popular models are the Stels Flame 200 and Stels 400 GS. The most powerful motorcycle equipment is considered to be the Stels Benelli, which received a 600 cc engine. The main task for the brand is to produce not only cheap, but also competitive equipment, which so far has been more than excellent. If you want a vehicle that fully matches its price, buy the Stels Flex 250 model.

Motorcycle equipment, unfortunately, is not so popular, but if you take a closer look at this brand, be sure to study the model range. If we return to Flex itself, we can consider several more interesting characteristics. For example, the manufacturer does not officially declare its maximum speed, but the owners claim that on average it travels 120-130 km per hour. The reliable engine took its toll - average fuel consumption increased to 4.5 liters per hundred.

Most motorcycle owners do not find any particular disadvantages in it, so they consider it a worthy model for their money. The maneuverable and fast Stels Flex 250 bike can easily move through any city traffic jam thanks to its small dimensions. New and fairly bright halogen headlights are installed at the front; signal elements are activated when braking and turning. For the city, it was decided to install rear-view mirrors, so it will be quite easy to keep an eye on the road.

Technical characteristics of Stels Flex 250

This model has a very bright design, because the main color of the Stealth 250 is orange. On the one hand, its design is quite simple, but the manufacturer tried to turn it into an aggressive and modern style, which turned out more than excellent.

The new product is perfect for both country trips and movement in an urban environment. In order to best meet urban requirements, it was decided to increase the maneuverability and stability of the motorcycle. With an average volume of 225 cc. see Stels Flex 250 can be used by both a beginner and an already quite skilled racer.

The engine of the stealth is quite standard; well-known and at the same time inexpensive spare parts are used here. Unlike its younger brothers, the model is capable of operating in 4-stroke mode and producing power of a considerable 15.8 horses.

Reliability and performance

In comparison with the Honda CB 300R, the new bike acquired a reinforced steel frame, which made it possible to install a more productive power unit on the Stels Flex 250. Reviews of the advantages of this engine note: despite the model’s marking, its actual displacement is 225 cubic centimeters. However, these characteristics are enough to feel confident on the road. The engine has one exhaust pipe. This suggests that the power unit has been derated. Although this process has a positive effect on operational features, reliability and its service life, sometimes there is a desire to slightly increase the cubic capacity.

Comparison with analogues and competitors

The main competitors in the road motorcycle segment for this model are the following bikes:

• Yamaha YBR-125
• Minsk C4
• Patron Sport 250
• Baltmotors Street 250

A comparison of technical characteristics showed that the parameters of the Stels Fex 250 are approximately equal to all other competing models, but in some aspects it is superior. The brainchild surpasses its competitors in ease of control and maneuverability. A light and nimble bike confidently maneuvers in traffic.

Design of Stels FLEX 250

Stels FLEX 250 is assembled on the basis of a steel duplex frame.

Rigidity is ensured by the duplex structure. Features include the same structure of the spring-oil shock absorber on both axles, adjusted for specific use. The user can adjust its sensitivity even in a garage.

There is a telescopic fork installed at the front;

The front fork is quite rigid and prevents it from “burrowing” into the asphalt during heavy braking.

pendulum rear.

During the development of the new version, the frame was strengthened, which made it possible to install a more powerful engine and a large number of external body kits. Another side of the improvement was the excellent fit of the parts to each other, which will allow the user to spend most of the time on the bike, and not under it.

Features at speed

But within the “hundred” range, the motorcycle is capable of riding for a long time without overload.

According to mechanics, this is the result of installing a 1-cylinder engine. It is not treated in a service station.

Modifications

No modifications to the Flex 250 were planned. However, in 2011 production of the Enduro 250 model began.

Featuring more economical fuel consumption, a smaller gas tank and increased ground clearance, in other respects it was the same as the Flex 250.

In 2013, when production completely moved to Russia on the basis of an updated frame, Enduro 400, 450, 600 . And the Flex line was taken over by Benelli (both scooters and motorcycles are produced under this name).

Origin

The Stels concern has been on the market for quite a long time. This project is considered Russian-Chinese. Of course, the country of origin is the second one. All factories are located in China, exports are made from here.

The company was founded in the 2000s. But even though 17 years have passed, there are still practically no working copies. The Stels 250 Enduro takes the lead in the presented model range. It began to be produced in 2010. At first, sales were clearly not encouraging, but now its popularity is increasing. Proof of this is the fact that this model is still in production.

Photo gallery

There is hope that the time will come when our country will start driving its own equipment. “Stels” is an example of the development of the Russian motorcycle industry. Let's take a look at this bike in our photo selection below, which we made especially for you.

Summary

It seems that the Russian-Chinese alliance has succeeded in achieving its goal. They did not set themselves the goal of creating another “killer” of popular Japanese models - they decided to simply release an inexpensive, accessible and reliable analogue, using already proven technologies for this.

And they succeeded - the Stealth Enduro is really not bad, and it’s worth paying attention to if you are looking for an inexpensive motorcycle in this class

Specifications

Preparation after purchase

Despite the impressive equipment that the Stels Flex 250 motorcycle has, reviews from its owners recommend performing a full maintenance and inspection of the equipment immediately after purchase. To do this, all fasteners are tightened, their presence is checked, the position of the control cables is adjusted, and so on.

Despite the fact that the manufacturer has not provided official data on the maximum speed of the Stels Flex 250, reviews from owners claim that it can accelerate to 120 kilometers per hour. The average consumption when moving in the urban cycle was empirically calculated; it was 4.5 liters per 100 km. This is quite a lot for a vehicle with such a small volume. Most likely, this is another important argument for those who talk about the deformation of its power unit. Of course, fuel consumption may vary due to driving style and its aggressiveness, but figures of 4.5 liters were observed among many owners, which makes such a statement untenable and represents a correct picture of average performance.

Ease of management

According to consumer reviews, the motorcycle has very good stability and directional stability. There are no vibrations when driving, so it fully complies with the requirements for vehicles in this class. The sound of the running engine is very pleasant and bassy; this property is manifested due to the chrome-plated resonant muffler installed on the Stels Flex 250.

Owner reviews also note some features of the gearbox of this motorcycle. Despite the fact that the first four speeds are very short, the fifth is extremely long. This feature does not always allow you to effectively overtake vehicles or switch depending on the road situation. Many stickers that decorate the body of a motorcycle deteriorate over time and take on a sloppy and repulsive appearance. Therefore, if you want to prevent such developments, it is better to remove them in advance. Let's move on to consider the specific features of this vehicle.

Positive sides

One of the advantages of this motorcycle is its appearance. The design of this vehicle is generally not bad. It can be clearly distinguished that he belongs to the sports type. There are large wheels, a streamlined shape, and so on. This motorcycle can easily compete with many famous and beautiful bikes of the motorcycle world. The first thing that catches your eye when you first look at this motorcycle is the fuel tank. It has sharp shapes. The tank is forward. Moreover, this Enduro 250 has characteristics that are typical for similar bikes. We are talking about the absence of a rear fork. It feels like the saddle is sagging.

Verdict

The motorcycle belongs to the “enduro” class, but is not intended for “steep” off-road conditions. Only country roads, small potholes and curbs are suitable for it. With all this, there are also positive qualities: firstly, the price, and secondly, the positive emotions from driving. Those who have ridden this motorcycle confirm that it is worth the money.

If you want to buy a Stels Enduro as your first motorcycle, then think twice; it might be better to buy a more expensive but reliable equipment.

Brand history

Motorcycle companies, due to the impossibility of organizing (or maintaining) their own production, create assembly plants where motorcycles are assembled from components from Asian manufacturers.

Competition with the Chinese led to the closure of the largest Soviet factories producing bicycles and motorcycles.

The history of the company begins in 1996 with small wholesale sales of Russian bicycles. (You shouldn’t be ironic about this: I started the same way.) In 2003

Velomotors is building the first plant in the Moscow region (Kubinka, Odintsovo district) to produce its own bicycles.

Affordable prices and acceptable quality created a steady demand for the products, which made it possible to increase production volumes.

So in 2006, a second plant was opened in the Krasnodar region, in 2008 - in the Sverdlovsk region, then in the Bryansk region.

In 2007, the Skif 50 scooter debuted modestly; To date, motorcycles are represented by several model series, and in 2013, Benelli “Stels” was created with an engine capacity of 600 cm3.

In 2009, the “Stels” range of ATVs went into production, which are produced under licenses from branded Asian manufacturers.

In 2013, mass production of a full cycle of snowmobiles of our own design was launched.

In 2013, Velomotrs automates production conveyor lines and certifies its own production facilities in accordance with international standards.

One of the holding's priorities is the production of competitive motorcycles and bicycles.

Experts have studied the challenges of the Russian market, to which Western technologies have been adapted. Products under the Stels brand have an optimal price-quality ratio.

The transition to independent production and a gradual reorientation to materials from domestic suppliers reduces the cost of production and leads to the development of domestic industry.

The company has also created its own design center, equipped with the latest equipment.

Own production – revival of the traditions of the domestic motorcycle industry!

The phenomenon of the Stels brand is as follows: financing of motorcycle production is provided through the sale of bicycles.

Velomotors is the leader of the domestic bicycle market, producing up to 1.5 million bicycles per year (3/4 of the Russian market). The demand for motorcycles in our country is small.

Pros and cons of Stels Flex 250

Advantages

• Affordable price. For the amount that you will have to pay for a brand new Stels Flex 250 motorcycle, you can only buy a very old “Japanese” with, most likely, several times the mileage and being in an unknown technical condition.
• Modern design. It may not shine with anything special, but on city streets the bike looks quite organic and does not look like a guest from the last century, like some other Chinese motorcycles. And it doesn’t reek of “Chinese cheapness”.
• Undemanding to the quality of gasoline. Thanks to a rather primitive engine and carburetor power system, the Flex 250 can easily digest even AI-92 of dubious purity.
• Capacious gas tank. 18 liters – not all “adult” motorcycles can boast of this volume.
• Economical in everything. Fuel consumption does not exceed 3.5 liters per hundred, and spare parts and consumables are cheap. Much cheaper than used Japanese cars.
• Good value for money. The Stels Flex 250 combines good technical characteristics with an affordable price.

Flaws

• Weak light from the headlight. The problem can be partially eliminated by replacing the lamp with a more powerful one. The main thing is not to overdo it with power so that the plastic elements of the headlight do not melt.
• Fuzzy operation of the gearbox. Sometimes the gears don't turn on the first time.
• Minor assembly defects. After purchasing a motorcycle, it is advisable to carefully inspect it to make sure there are no carelessly tightened bolts or dangling bundles of wires.
• Dimensions. This bike will be a bit cramped for two people.

Dimensions and weight

Monitor the condition of the identification plate; due to the close contact of the cables, the data will be erased. This may cause problems with the traffic police.

One of the advantages of the motorcycle is its low weight, as for the road version. It weighs only 145 kg . Curb weight 184 kg .

External dimensions are ideally designed for the height of an average person. Small people will also find it quite comfortable, but tall people should look at another motorcycle.

• Length - 2080 mm.
• Height - 1045 mm.
• At the saddle - 738 mm.
• Width - 750 mm.
• Ground clearance - 145 mm.
• Wheelbase - 1400 mm.

The original tires run more or less tolerably for a couple of thousand kilometers, but they can let you down on wet asphalt. It's better to immediately install more decent tires.

On road

The maximum speed of the Stels Flex 250 is stated to be 150 km/h, but this does not correspond to the truth. Even without a discount on the speedometer error, the bike can actually accelerate to 130 km/h, but when the needle crosses the 110 km/h mark, you will have to be patient and wait until the motorcycle accelerates. At the same time, after the same 110 km/h, the driver will begin to be bothered by small parasitic vibrations, which are especially noticeable on the steering wheel and footrests. In the city you have to change gears often - the gear ratios are short, but you can safely engage the top, fifth gear already at 60 km/h.

The Flex 250's dynamics are quite sufficient for city driving, but if you seat a passenger, you immediately notice less confident acceleration and even less confident braking. In general, the braking system of the Flex 250 does not cause any complaints, but if there is a second number in the back seat, the difference is felt immediately - the braking distance almost doubles

This is worth considering, especially for novice motorcyclists. However, it’s better for them not to board passengers at all at first - after all, this is responsibility not only for their own life, but also for someone else’s.

Thanks to its modest dry weight of 146 kg, even a fragile girl can easily handle the Stealth Flex 250. The maneuverability of the motorcycle is pleasing - it is light and has a fairly short wheelbase, it confidently darts between cars and calmly turns around in a small space. But outside the city, this plus turns into a minus - a strong side wind makes it difficult to stick to the chosen course, and the bike sways noticeably from cars flying in the oncoming lane. Unfortunately, this drawback is common to all light motorcycles. To get a better idea of ​​the size of the motorcycle (it’s still difficult to judge from a photo), you should sit on the bike in the showroom or watch a video review on the Internet.

Flaws

Users do not find any major shortcomings, but the motorcycle still has some shortcomings:

• Dimensions. Despite the length of more than 2 meters, the passenger may find there is not enough space.
• Checkpoint. Although the gears are arranged according to a standard pattern, the desired one is not always switched on immediately. Switching from first to neutral is especially problematic; the second often works instead. This is a very common disease. Changing the oil helps some, but it didn’t help us, so we drive like this.
• Weak headlight. The manufacturer allows you to replace the lamp with a more powerful one. Other modifications (such as xenon or LEDs) are not recommended. The problem is that the lamp does not fix well and often rattles on bumps.
• Light weight. Riding around the city on this motorcycle does not create any special problems; sometimes you can squeeze into a gap where the scooter will not fit, but when driving along the highway the motorcycle is blown away by the side wind.

Also, do not overtighten the threaded connections. The photo shows how the plane of the pendulum, made of thin metal, was deformed.

and dignity

• The main thing users consider is unpretentiousness to fuel quality. There are reviews that the engine works well even on 92 gasoline.
• Price.
  Thanks to the Russian developer, the motorcycle has a good balance between price and quality. The cost of components is cheaper than the Japanese, and a large selection is offered even in provincial rural stores. If you remember how much this motorcycle can cost, you can look at the disadvantages differently, but it also has advantages, of which there are many.
• Economical. Although the developers announced 5 liters per 100 km, the owners noted that with a combined cycle the figure decreases to 3.6 liters. A large 18-liter gas tank makes it possible to refuel less often.
• Russian production. The price of the new Flex 250 is significantly cheaper than the used Japanese model.
• Design. Despite its simplicity, the bike looks very stylish in appearance. The resemblance to the Honda plays a role, but even without that, the sharp runners of the body kits create a very fast and aerodynamic look.

Detailed description

The Stels Flex 250 motorcycle has the following characteristics:

• The vehicle frame has a diamond-shaped geometry and is made of tubular steel elements. It has rigidity and strength.
• The 225 cm3, four-stroke, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine produces a maximum power of approximately 16 horsepower. These values ​​are achieved at 5500 rpm.
• The torque of the power unit is 17.5 Nm.
• The power system runs on A-92 gasoline and is carburetor-based.
• Ignition is contactless, with electronic control elements.
• The transmission is presented in the form of a 5-speed manual gearbox installed on the Stels Flex 250. Reviews about its operation are somewhat ambiguous, but if the owner wishes, it can be debugged.
• Clutch type: multi-disc, in a special oil bath.
• Chain drive with torque transmission to the rear wheel.
• Starting is done via an electric starter.
• The rear suspension is with a pendulum-type spring-hydraulic shock absorber.
• At the front there is a telescopic fork with a pair of elastomer-oil compensators.
• Hydraulic disc brakes on the front and rear wheels reduce the time to a complete stop.
• The fuel tank holds 18 liters of A-92 gasoline.
• 17” tires on wheels are made of high-quality rubber and are highly resistant to abrasion.
• Light alloy wheels made of aluminum prevent radial runout.
• The dimensions of the motorcycle are 208.5 x 74 x 104 centimeters.
• The size of the base between the wheels is 140.2 cm.
• The total weight of the equipped equipment is 146 kilograms.

Layout

Many people also note the increased comfort seats on the Stels Flex 250. Reviews about their convenience are very favorable, because they provide an even, straight and free seat for both the driver and the passenger. When looking at the dashboard, the motorcyclist can easily read the tachometer, speedometer, LCD odometer and gearbox position. In addition, the parameters of the current state of the motorcycle and an electronic clock are presented to the driver. The location of the ignition switch is also not surprising; it is located below the control panel on the steering column.

Flaws

1. From time to time you have to tighten the steering.
2. Difficulty in controlling at maximum speed.
3. There is a lack of power after 110 km/h, resulting in the maximum being reached very slowly.
4. Poor quality of fastening of plastic elements.

Reviews of stels flex 250 clearly indicate that this is an ideal option for beginners. The bike picks up speed within 100-110 km/h quite quickly and dynamically, but increasing to maximum speed occurs quite slowly.

Those who have tried this technique have a unanimous opinion that this is an ideal option for urban spaces, for which it is designed. But it is not quite suitable for covering longer distances.

There are all the prerequisites for the Flex 250 motorcycle to conquer the vastness of the country. The main advantage is that, with the characteristics of a full-fledged bike, it costs almost as much as an average scooter.

The presence of a five-speed gearbox speaks volumes, which is especially important when driving on city streets, where you constantly have to change speed.

The characteristics of the Stealth Flex 250 indicate that this is the best option for comfortable driving around the city. Since the model is new, the maximum mileage does not exceed 20 thousand km. During this time, the motorcycle has established itself as a reliable vehicle with good performance characteristics. With constant care and timely technical inspections, the equipment will last a long time.

In addition, the company provides a one-year warranty, and as practice shows, manufacturing defects emerge in the first weeks of operation. The main complaint is the lack of power, which leads to a slow acceleration after 110 km/h, but for this price, this is the best trouble-free option

When choosing your first motorcycle, you should carefully familiarize yourself with the stels flex 250. A beginner will be delighted with the handling and dynamic characteristics. In addition, the stylish appearance does not allow one to objectively assess the cost of the vehicle.

There is no doubt about the prospects and demand for the bike. Low cost of operation, ease of maintenance, together with an interesting design influence the growing popularity of the bike.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=4BtroEI4chs

Results

Most likely, increased gasoline consumption is a price to pay for engine reliability. Despite these features, Stels Flex 250 has excellent maneuverability. It can seep through traffic jams like a knife through butter. Based on reviews from its owners, we can conclude that they are satisfied with their purchase and do not plan to part with it. Indeed, in the wilds of road junctions in megacities, a motorcycle does not hamper the driver’s route, as it allows him to move between rows of cars, as if on a bicycle. However, unlike its two-wheeled brother, it is equipped with the necessary light and sound equipment. The role of the headlights is delegated to high-quality halogen optics, and the indication of turns and braking is delegated to signal elements. The safety of driving a motorcycle is ensured by a good overview of the rear-view mirrors, which help the driver control the road situation.

Owner reviews

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